The Egyptian Canadian Coalition for Democracy* (ECCD) has learned
that Mr. Baird will be visiting Egypt starting April 17 2014 and
holding talks with representatives of “the interim government”,
appointed by the military junta lead by Field Marshall Abdel Fatah Al
Sisi.

Contrary to what Mr. Baird has declared earlier, that “We stand with
the Egyptian people in their efforts to build a stable, inclusive,
prosperous and democratic Egypt based on respect for human rights,
fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,” this visit can be
construed as an endorsement of all the well documented atrocities and
egregious human rights violations committed in Egypt over the last 9
months under the stewardship of Field Marshall Al-Sisi.

In this respect, we urge Mr. Baird and the Canadian government not to
turn a blind eye to such abuses, such as the detention of Canadian
journalist Mohamed Fahmy and the death sentencing of 529 people in
one court session.

Ottawa always had an uncompromising policy toward human rights
violations taking place anywhere, and Egypt should not be an
exception. We demand that Canada maintains the same standards towards
Egypt rather than declare “this visit will signal Canada’s
willingness to support Egypt during this important transition.”

As to the other issues mentioned on the DFAIT's website: “During his
trip, he will discuss economic and security issues as well as
important regional issues, including the situation in Iran and Syria
and the Middle East peace process”, it is regretful to hear this
since the present interim government in Egypt, which has illegally
took control of the country from the democratically elected
president, has neither the legitimacy nor the capacity to serve
Canadian interests in Egypt or the region.

Furthermore, we fear that seeking close cooperation on ‘security’ matter
with the interim government will undermine rather than enhance the
security of Canadians traveling to the Middle-East.

Last, but not least, we foresee that this visit will be used by the
interim government to gain credibility for implementing an inclusive
process whereas in effect any opposing voice is ruthlessly
suppressed. Canada should not be part of this travesty of democracy.
Thus, we ask that Mr. Baird reconsider his decision to visit Egypt at
this time.

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About Me

*Mohamed S. Kamel: is a Freelance writer, the editor of http://forafreeegypt.blogspot.com/, he is a professional engineer, a LEED Green Associate and a recognized project manager professional (PMP), he is Member of several civil society organizations, a co-founder, ex-Secretary General of The Egyptian Revolutionary Council (ERC), a co-founder of the Egyptian Canadian Coalition for Democracy (ECCD-CECD), Egyptian Worldwide for Democracy and Justice (EW4DJ), Canadian Egyptian for Democracy (CEFD), National Association for Change in Egypt (Taghyeer – Canada), Alternative Perspective Media (APM-RAM), , Quebec Antiwar movement “Échec à la Guerre”, Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine “CJPP”, ex-president and co-founder of the Canadian Muslim Forum (CMF-FCM), member of the board of trustee in the Canadian Muslim for Palestine (CMP) and Cultural Center for Montreal Muslims (CCMM). He could be reached at public@mohamedkamel.com and followed at @mskamel